The Marshfield Clinic family is committed to making a positive impact on our patients and our community. We are here every step of the way to support you in making the best decisions about your health and wellbeing, from research and prevention to diagnosis and treatment. So you won't only live your life, but shine.

Pediatric allergy and immunology

Board-certified pediatric allergists eliminate or limit the effects of food and indoor or outdoor allergens.

Among the conditions we treat are:

Asthma

​Rhinitis

​​Food Allergies​

​​Asthma

Asthma is a long-term disease in which the child's airways swell to the point where breathing is effected. Symptoms like coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and wheezing are common.

Asthma can be triggered by a family history of allergy or exposure to allergens like pets, mold, pollen, smoke, air pollution or even strong smells, and respiratory infections.

Proper diagnosis of childhood asthma requires a doctor trained to recognize its unique characteristics. Marshfield Clinic has specialists who are trained specifically in diagnosis and treatment of childhood allergies.​

Treatments​​

​Once a child is diagnosed with asthma, a Marshfield Clinic physician will work with the family to develop a long-term plan for treatment that includes adult supervision, changes in lifestyle and the use of medications.

Lifestyle and Environmental ChangesA child will learn to control asthma by avoiding environmental triggers, getting proper rest, exercise and nutrition. Controlling exposure to triggers may involve efforts keeping kids extra-bundled on cold days, avoiding contact with pets and consistent cleaning of the house, bedding and toys. The child will also be encouraged to be active and confident so they think of themselves as a healthy person not a "sick" person.

Medication and DevicesBoth parents and children will be taught how to use medical devices and administer medication including:

Peak flow meter - this device may be recommended to measure a child's ease of breathing.

Inhalers and oral medications - with controlled dosages specific to the child's individual needs can control symptoms in the event of an asthma flare-up.

​Rhinitis

Rhinitis is swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose causing sneezing, itching, runny nose and congestion. There are two types of rhinitis, allergic and non-allergic. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, comes from common natural triggers like airborne tree, grass and weed pollens or mold. Common indoor allergens include pet dander and mold.

Non-allergic rhinitis has the same symptoms but is most common in adults and not tied to a child's immune system. Marshfield Clinic has pediatric specialists who are experts in diagnosis and treatment of allergies.​

Treatments

​Based on your child's triggers for rhinitis, your Marshfield Clinic doctor will work with you to create a plan for how to avoid contact with the triggers both indoor and outdoor. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to decrease symptoms including:

Medication

Allergy pills and nasal sprays - various prescriptions exist to block the symptoms of an allergic reaction like itching, sneezing, runny nose and congestion.

Allergy shots - for children whose symptoms persist, a doctor may suggest the use of injections over a period of three to five years that encourage the patient's own immune system to tolerate the allergens and lessen the need for medication.

​​Food Allergies

A food allergy is diagnosed when a child's immune system overreacts​ to what is considered a harmless food.

Most common food allergens are the proteins found in cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shell fish and tree nuts. Since a food allergy can cause a serious reaction, a doctor who specializes in allergies is best qualified to diagnose and treat the condition.

Marshfield Clinic has allergy specialists in northern and central Wisconsin to help with your concerns about food allergies.​

Treatments

Once a child is diagnosed with a particular food allergy, the doctor will advise the family on how best to eliminate allergic reactions from occurring.

​Lifestyle Changes

Parents and child can simply avoid the food altogether.

Asking about food ingredients - when eating at restaurants or at the homes of others.

Reading food labels - names of food allergens are listed as ingredients on all foods purchased at the grocery store.

MedicationIn extreme cases life-threatening reactions to food can occur so a physician will provide families with injectable medication that can be used by the child, parents, friends or a school nurse if a food allergen is eaten by mistake.​